Rep. Jeanné Kapela

Requires release on recognizance for defendants charged with violations, traffic offenses, nonviolent petty misdemeanors, nonviolent misdemeanors, and nonviolent class C felonies, subject to conditions. Establishes exclusions for specified offenses, threats to public safety, and certain other circumstances. Requires findings when bail or detention is imposed, ongoing review of continued detention or conditions, and a prompt hearing if bail cannot be posted. Requires prosecutors to notify victims of pretrial decisions. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii state and county officials to stop using "excited delirium" as a medical diagnosis, cause of death, or legal theory. The measure is based on findings that this concept lacks scientific validity, is not recognized by major medical organizations, and has no official diagnostic code. It specifically calls for medical determinations and legal proceedings to rely on scientifically valid principles instead. The resolution also directs copies to county mayors and council leaders and is named in memory of veteran Sheldon Haleck.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create a standardized swimmer classification framework for public schools to improve water safety and equity. The resolution asks the department to adopt a specific system developed by Leahi Swim School and Na Kama Kai, which defines three proficiency levels: Swimmer, Water Safe Individual, and Water Smart Individual. Each level includes specific criteria such as swimming distances, treading water, stroke proficiency, and knowledge of ocean safety and environmental stewardship. The framework is intended to guide physical education, athletics, and enrichment programs by establishing clear benchmarks for student water competency.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education and Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to create a joint plan that connects local farmers with the new AINA Kitchen Network, a statewide system of regional kitchens designed to serve school meals. The resolution calls for the two agencies to work together with other partners to identify which crops and proteins the kitchens will need, assess current local production capacity, and develop strategies to help farmers scale up their operations. Key provisions of the requested plan include securing multi-year contracts to give farmers the stability needed to invest in infrastructure, providing technical assistance and workforce development, and ensuring supply meets the phased rollout of the kitchen network. The bill aims to address past procurement failures and funding gaps while supporting Hawaii's goal of sourcing 30% of school meal ingredients from local producers by 2030.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing managed by condominium and planned community associations, which are not covered by the federal Fair Housing Act. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations over accessibility modifications, analyze how current laws define responsibilities for common area improvements, and assess the impact of these barriers on residents' ability to age in place. The working group will include representatives from disability rights organizations, housing authorities, and senior advocacy groups, and will evaluate potential state funding options to help offset modification costs. The Department of Health is required to submit a report with findings and legislative recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges state and city transportation departments to collaborate with local community groups to develop and improve the coastal trail system on Oahu's North Shore. The resolution emphasizes the need for safe, non-vehicular pathways to address current unsafe road conditions and encourage walking and biking in the area. It calls for community involvement in all stages of trail planning, design, construction, and maintenance to ensure the trails meet local needs. The measure also references existing efforts like the Complete Streets Ordinance and Vision Zero Action Plan as context for improving transportation safety and accessibility.

Maddy summaryHCR 13 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to develop a student-led Coral Stewardship Program. The program would focus on educating students and the public about reef-safe sunscreen practices (avoiding chemicals like oxybenzone) at state beaches, using student volunteers for outreach and educational materials. It emphasizes voluntary, non-enforcement activities informed by scientific research, building on existing efforts like Act 104 (2018), which restricted harmful sunscreens. DLNR must report to the Legislature by 2027 on collaborative efforts and any needed policy recommendations.

Maddy summaryHCR 8 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaiian counties to approve building permits for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications (like ramps or grab bars) recommended by a healthcare provider for older adults (62+) or people with disabilities, when the county deems them essential for safety or health. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to reduce delays that contribute to fall risks and hospitalizations, emphasizing counties must act on complete applications within the 45-day timeframe.

Maddy summaryHCR 6 is a Hawaii legislative resolution affirming that hospitals must provide life-saving emergency care - including abortion services when medically necessary - to stabilize pregnant patients under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). It addresses confusion caused by recent shifts in federal guidance about EMTALA's requirements, particularly following the 2025 rescission of federal affirmations supporting emergency abortion care. The resolution urges all Hawaii hospitals, including religiously affiliated ones, to uphold EMTALA's standards without delay or denial of care. It does not create new law but reinforces Hawaii's commitment to ensuring pregnant patients receive timely emergency treatment as required by federal statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to form a working group to study the potential impacts of large data centers on the state's electric utilities, ratepayers, natural resources, and climate goals. The working group will include representatives from state agencies, electric utilities, consumer advocates, and environmental organizations to examine how these energy-intensive facilities could affect Hawaii's isolated power grids and water resources. The group will evaluate policy options such as ensuring data center developers pay for necessary grid upgrades and protecting existing customers from higher utility bills. This study is proactive, preparing Hawaii for potential future data center proposals while considering the state's constitutional duty to protect natural resources and meet its renewable energy targets.